Miss Sheridan, the best friend of Shallcross’ partner, was left with a bruised face, a cut to the nose and a chipped tooth. She was so traumatised by the attack she left Plymouth.

Lewis Shallcross was locked up for more than four years for aggravated burglary (Image: Penny Cross)

Shallcross later threatened Miss Sheridan in a road-rage incident before speeding dangerously along the pavement.

Recorder Paul Garlick told Shallcross: “You broke into the home of a young woman and attacked her when she was asleep. You used a heavy television set as a weapon to deliberately inflict serious bodily harm.”

Shallcross, of Fort Austin Avenue, Crownhill, had denied burglary with intent to cause Miss Sheridan grievous bodily harm on May 8 last year.

Shallcross was jailed for a total of four-and-a-half years for the offences. He was also banned from the road for five years and must take an extended retest.

The sentence, however, was later referred to the Attorney General’s Office under the unduly lenient sentencing scheme which can lead to jail terms being increased.

A spokesman for the Solicitor General said: “The Solicitor General has referred the case of Lewis Shallcross to the Court of Appeal under the unduly lenient sentence scheme. The case will be heard on 16 November.”